1. Home
 ›
2. Oktoberfest Train Rides
 ›
3. Michigan

Michigan Oktoberfest Train Rides

Published: September 21, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Crisp air, flame-colored maples, a brass oompah beat, and a clink of steins as wheels sing on rail—there’s something irresistibly nostalgic about celebrating Oktoberfest on a train. Michigan, with its deep railroad heritage and thriving beer scene, is a natural fit for this kind of fall fun. While “Oktoberfest trains” aren’t guaranteed on the calendar every year, several Michigan railroads do run fall color, dinner, and special-event trains that sometimes take on a German or beer-tasting twist. Here’s a detailed guide to help you track them down, plan a weekend, and make the most of autumn on the rails.

What is an Oktoberfest train?

An Oktoberfest-themed train blends a scenic excursion with seasonal touches: festbier or local craft pours (when permitted), bratwurst or German-inspired plates, polka or live music, and fall color vistas outside your window. Some are adults-only evening events with tastings; others are family-friendly with root beer, pretzels, and harvest activities. Because operators tailor themes year by year, the key is knowing who to watch and how to book early.

Michigan railroads to watch

Note: Schedules and themes change annually. Confirm details, alcohol policies, and age restrictions directly with each operator.

- Old Road Dinner Train (Adrian & Blissfield Railroad, Blissfield)
This long-running dinner train specializes in multi-course meals and themed experiences (mystery, holiday, and seasonal). In some years they offer specialty or beer-focused departures alongside their standard dinner trains. Expect table service in historic railcars, assigned seating, and a leisurely countryside run. If an Oktoberfest, brew-pairing, or fall-harvest menu appears on the schedule, it tends to sell out quickly. Adults-only departures are common; ID is required for alcohol.

- Steam Railroading Institute (Owosso)
Home of the famous Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive, SRI runs select fall color excursions. While their marquee North Pole Express headlines the holidays, autumn brings limited weekend runs that occasionally include premium classes with lounge seating and onboard service. If an Oktoberfest or beer-tasting car is offered in a given season, it’ll be announced on their website and social channels. Even without a beer theme, a steam-powered fall excursion is a bucket-list experience.

- Coopersville & Marne Railway (Coopersville, near Grand Rapids)
Known for family-friendly themed trains (Pumpkin, Bunny, Santa), this short line celebrates fall in a charming, low-key way. Alcohol isn’t a focus of their regular programming, but the line is convenient to Grand Rapids—one of America’s great beer cities—so it pairs well with Oktoberfest events in town. Watch their calendar in late summer for any special autumn runs.

- Little River Railroad (Coldwater)
This volunteer-driven nonprofit runs authentic steam trips through southern Michigan, with fall color excursions as a highlight. The vibe is historic and family-oriented. Food and beverage options vary; when special evening or adult-oriented rides appear, they’re announced early and sell fast. If you’re after pure rail nostalgia amid peak foliage, Little River is a standout.

- Huckleberry Railroad at Crossroads Village (Flint)
Set within a recreated 19th-century village, Huckleberry Railroad offers a classic, family-first fall experience. They’re well-known for Halloween and autumn events. Alcohol isn’t typically part of this operation, but its proximity to Flint and Frankenmuth makes it a smart add-on to a beer-centric weekend. Think steam whistles, pumpkin patches, and photo ops galore.

Pairing Amtrak with Oktoberfest destinations

Even if a given year doesn’t bring many Oktoberfest-themed trains, you can still build a rail-forward itinerary that puts you close to Michigan’s top fall festivals and breweries.

- Frankenmuth Oktoberfest: Ride Amtrak Blue Water to Flint. From Flint, it’s roughly a 25-minute drive or rideshare to Frankenmuth, famed for its Bavarian architecture and one of the Midwest’s signature Oktoberfest celebrations. Combine with a Huckleberry Railroad ride at Crossroads Village.

- Grand Rapids Oktoberfest West Michigan: Take the Pere Marquette to Grand Rapids (daily from Chicago). Pair city festivities with a short drive to Coopersville & Marne Railway for a fall train ride.

- Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit: The Wolverine corridor connects these cities with Chicago and Pontiac. Each city hosts fall beer events, pop-ups, and brewery fests. While there aren’t dedicated Oktoberfest trains here, rail travel keeps your trip relaxed, and local transit or rideshare can handle short hops to venues.

When to book and what it costs

- Timing: Most operators publish fall schedules by mid to late summer. If you’re aiming for a beer-themed or dinner train, look in July–August and book as soon as dates appear. Peak-color weekends (late September to mid-October, depending on latitude and weather) sell fastest.

- Price ranges (subject to change):
- Family fall excursions: roughly $20–40 per person.
- Heritage steam or premium fall excursions: roughly $79–150+ depending on class.
- Dinner trains: commonly $70–120+ per adult, with add-ons for drinks or premium seating.
- Special tastings: expect a base fare plus a flight or token package.

What it’s like onboard

- Seating and service: Dinner trains feature assigned tables and course service. Excursion trains might offer coach seating with concessions, plus optional premium lounges if available. If alcohol is served, staff will check IDs and may use a token or wristband system.

- Atmosphere: Expect autumn decor, music (playlists to live polka, depending on the operator), and plenty of leaf-peeping through large windows. Speeds are leisurely, perfect for conversation and photos.

- Food and drink: On themed trains, look for bratwurst, pretzels, mustard flights, German potato salad, schnitzel-inspired dishes, and apple desserts. Beer lists might feature festbiers, Märzens, and local lagers. Trains with alcohol service typically prohibit outside beverages.

- Facilities: Heritage cars often have compact restrooms; walk carefully when the train is moving. Dress in layers for platform time and possible open-window cars.

Policies, safety, and etiquette

- Drink responsibly: Many heritage railroads adopt strict alcohol policies for safety. No outside alcohol, valid ID required, and limits on servings are common.

- Transportation: If your excursion isn’t within walking distance of lodging, plan a designated driver or use rideshare/taxis. For Amtrak-based trips, choose hotels near stations or festival venues.

- Weather and timing: Fall weather can swing quickly—pack a light jacket, hat, and waterproof layer. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for boarding and parking.

- Accessibility: Vintage equipment has limitations. If you or a guest has mobility needs, call ahead to confirm boarding options and seating.

Sample weekend ideas

- Grand Rapids + Coopersville: Arrive Friday on the Pere Marquette. Explore breweries along the Beer City Ale Trail. Saturday, head to Coopersville for a fall ride, then back for Oktoberfest tents and live music. Sunday brunch and museums, then train home.

- Flint/Frankenmuth + Huckleberry: Take the Blue Water to Flint. Saturday morning ride the Huckleberry Railroad at Crossroads Village; afternoon and evening in Frankenmuth for Oktoberfest. Sunday shopping and a brewery stop before departing.

- Ann Arbor/Detroit on the Wolverine: Base yourself in Ann Arbor for a walkable food-and-brew scene. Day trip by rail to Detroit or Dearborn for museum time and fall events.

How to find current-year Oktoberfest trains

- Subscribe to operator newsletters and social feeds for the lines above.
- Search late summer with phrases like “Michigan Oktoberfest train,” “beer train Michigan,” and “fall color dinner train.”
- Check regional tourism boards (e.g., Pure Michigan), local chambers, and event calendars in Grand Rapids, Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor, and Detroit.
- If a specific Oktoberfest theme isn’t listed, call and ask about seasonal menus, beer service, or adult-only evening departures.

Bottom line

Michigan’s rails and ales make a natural pairing, especially under a canopy of fall color. Dedicated “Oktoberfest trains” appear in some years and not others, but you can reliably find scenic fall excursions and dinner trains, then layer in great beer and Bavarian vibes in nearby towns. Book early, verify alcohol and age policies, and plan transport that lets you savor the season safely. Whether you’re raising a stein in a vintage dining car or capping a steam ride with a festbier in town, autumn in Michigan by rail feels timeless—and tastes pretty great, too.